5 trade-back targets for 49ers in NFL draft

LB Reuben Foster, Alabama

Foster three weeks ago was nearly the consensus second-best defensive player in the draft and was being compared to Patrick Willis. After an altercation at the 2017 NFL Combine – of which the reaction has calmed since – Foster may not be viewed in such high regard. The 49ers prior to free agency would’ve had to trade back no deeper than eighth to stay in front of the Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints, two linebacker-needy teams.

(Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)

However, New Orleans signed free agent A.J. Klein and the Bengals grabbed Kevin Minter, likely taking linebacker of the top of the board for both teams. The 49ers could now potentially move back to the early teens, perhaps in a trade with the Cleveland Browns at No. 12 overall, and still take a stud defender early. Lynch may have a hard time selecting Foster with the second pick, but twelfth is much more enticing.